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[MI-STORIES]MOTIVATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL STORIES - The Camel Story!

For Previous Story -> CLICK HERE Inspirational Stories: Here is the story for this week from the new series of Inspirational and Motivational stories. One of the oldest known forms of communication is story telling. There is something primordial within us that loves stories and their tremendous impact. In this series, we aim to bring you the best of real-life stories that can inspire and motivate you. Stories always try to teach us something useful. It is one of the best ways of learning from other's mistakes and avoiding our own. Although each story has its own moral, in the comments section you can share your opinion on the moral of the story. If you are able to see something that others might have missed, you can share it for the benefit of all. Apart from just reading these awesome stories, you can also share some of the stories that have inspired you. If we find the story appropriate and useful, we will share it with all. More importantly, read these stories every week without a miss, and stay inspired.   So Here is the story for this week - The Camel Story!     A mother camel and her baby were lying down, soaking up the sun. The baby camel asked his mom, “Why do we have these big bumps on our back?” The mom stopped to think and then said, “We live in the desert where there is not much water available. Our humps store water to help us survive on long journeys. “ The baby camel then stopped to think and said, “Well, why do we have long legs with rounded feet?” His mother replied, “They are meant to help us walk through sand.” The baby asked a third question, “Why are my eyelashes so long?” The mother replied, “Your long eyelashes offer you protection from sand when it blows in the wind.” Finally, the baby said, “If we have all of these natural abilities given to us to walk through the desert, what’s the use for camels in the Zoo?” The Moral:  The skills and abilities that you possess won’t be useful if you’re not in the right environment.

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th March 2022

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) International Criminal Court Part of: Prelims and GS-II International Relations Context: The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague announced that it would open an investigation into possible war crimes or crimes against humanity in Ukraine. ‘Laws of war’ There are specific international standards for war crimes, which are not to be confused with crimes against humanity. War crimes are defined as serious violations of humanitarian laws during a conflict.  The definition, established by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), is derived from the 1949 Geneva Conventions. It is based on the idea that individuals can be held liable for the actions of a state or its military. The UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect separates war crimes from genocide and crimes against humanity.  War crimes are defined as occurring in a domestic conflict or a war between two states, while genocide and crimes against humanity can happen in peacetime or during the unilateral aggression of a military towards a group of unarmed people. Examples: The taking of hostages, willful killings, torture or inhuman treatment of prisoners of war, and forcing children to fight. International Criminal Court The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague, Netherlands.  The ICC is the first and only permanent international court with jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.  It is intended to complement existing national judicial systems. It may exercise its jurisdiction only when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute criminals.  The ICC lacks universal territorial jurisdiction and may only investigate and prosecute crimes committed within member states, crimes committed by nationals of member states, or crimes in situations referred to the Court by the United Nations Security Council. News Source: IE Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 Part of: Prelims and GS-III Economy Context: Ministry of Defence (MoD) has offered four projects to the Indian Industry for design & development under Make-I category of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. Make-I category (government funded) The industry will be provided financial support for prototype development of these projects. The list of projects which were accorded ‘Approval In-Principle (AIP)’ by Collegiate Committee of MoD is as follow: Indian Air Force: Communication Equipment with Indian Security Protocols (Routers, Switches, Encryptors, VoIP Phones and their software) Indian Air Force: Airborne Electro Optical pod with Ground Based System Indian Air Force: Airborne Stand-off Jammer Indian Army: Indian Light Tank This is for the first time since the launch of DAP-2020 that Indian Industry has been involved in development of big ticket platforms such as Light tank and Communication Equipment with Indian security protocols.  Make-II procedure In addition, AIP has also been accorded to following five projects under industry-funded Make-II procedure: Indian Air Force: Full Motion Simulator for Apache Helicopter Indian Air Force: Full Motion Simulator for Chinook Helicopter Indian Air Force: Wearable Robotic Equipment for Aircraft Maintenance Indian Army: Integrated Surveillance and Targeting System for Mechanised Forces Indian Army: Autonomous Combat Vehicle Projects under 'Make-II' category involve prototype development of equipment or their upgrades or their components, primarily for import substitution/innovative solutions, for which no Government funding will be provided for prototype development purposes. Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) The DAP contains policies and procedures for procurement and acquisition from the capital budget of the MoD in order to modernise the Armed Forces including the Coast Guard. It is aligned with the vision of the Government of Atmanirbhar Bharat and empowering Indian domestic industry through Make in India initiative. News Source: TH (News from PIB) India signs Host Country Agreement with the International Telecommunication Union Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III: Infrastructure: Telecommunications In News: India signed Host Country Agreement with the International Telecommunication Union for establishment of Area Office & Innovation Centre at New Delhi. Expected to serve South Asian countries namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India India has been taking concrete steps towards development of telecom standards. The 5Gi standards developed within India have now been recognised by ITU as one of the three technologies for 5G. With more than 1.2 Billion telecom subscribers, a robust ecosystem of start-ups and innovation hubs, India is poised to contribute meaningfully in developing telecom standards further. Signed during the World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly-20 (WTSA-20) being held in Geneva, Switzerland.  Note: About World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly: WTSA is a four-yearly global conference of ITU dedicated to standardisation of the Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). India has proposed to host the next WTSA to be held in 2024. About International Telecommunication Union is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. ITU currently has a membership of 193 countries and over 900 private-sector entities and academic institutions. News Source: PIB Ministry of Science & Technology to promote India's first Start-up in Daylight Harvesting Technology Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III: Science and Technology In News: Ministry of Science & Technology has decided to promote a unique Start-up in latest Daylight Harvesting Technology Aim: To reduce carbon footprint and improve the building energy efficiency. The only Start-up company in India for Daylight Harvesting Technologies “Skyshade Daylights Private Limited” Hyderabad signed an MoU with Technology Development Board, a statutory body of Department of Science & Technology. The company aims to create Green & Net zero buildings and to participate and contribute in national missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Daylight Harvesting Technology Daylighting is basically bringing natural sunlight inside the rooms. The solar energy spectrum has 45% energy as visible light and this can be used to harvest building illumination for about 9-11 hours a day.  The Technology used is completely indigenous, economically viable and easy to deploy and needs minimal maintenance with longevity.  Moreover, the proposed technologies, harvest huge quantities of sunlight for a building and make available for building illumination which reduces electrical lighting energy consumption by 70-80%, besides reducing air-conditioning (cooling load) consumption. Significance With the world's largest expansion plan in renewable energy sector, India aims at universal access to sustainable energy solutions and to enable a low carbon future, with significant economic, environmental and social impact.  The country has set an ambitious target to achieve a capacity of 175 GW of its energy requirement from renewable energy sources by the end of 2022, and committed to achieve 500 GW by 2030 News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) SCEINCE & TECH/ ETHICS GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. GS-4: Ethics (Case studies) Ethical Issues of Xenotransplantation Xenotransplantation or heterologous transplant, is the transplantation of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another. It involves the transplantation of nonhuman tissues or organs into human recipients. History of Xenotransplantation The dream of animal-to-human transplants goes back to the 17th century, with stumbling attempts to use animal blood for transfusions. Early kidney and liver transplants were attempted from baboons and chimpanzees as these primates were considered closest to humans. By the 20th century, surgeons were attempting transplants of organs from baboons into humans. Over the last several decades experts have found it difficult to surmount the challenge presented by the immune system’s rejection of an alien organ, ending in deadly outcomes for patients. In the early 1960s, a surgeon Keith Reemtsma in New Orleans performed 13 chimpanzees-to-human kidney transplants. One of the recipients, a schoolteacher, lived for 90 days. However, most of these transplants failed and were gradually given up. Recent Examples of Xenotransplantation In September 2021, at New York Hospital, a medical team attached a kidney from a gene-edited pig to a person declared brain dead to see if the animal kidney was able to do the job of processing waste and producing urine. It did.  In the United States there are apparently 90,000 persons waiting for a kidney transplant and this successful experiment would go some way towards meeting that need. In January, 2022, is from the University of Maryland where a team of doctors used the heart of an animal, which had genetically modified features, as a replacement heart on a patient who had run out of available options The earlier attempts of animal-to-human heart transplants have failed, largely because patients’ bodies rapidly rejected the animal organs. The most notable example was that of American infant Baby Fae, a dying infant in 1984 who lived 21 days with a baboon heart. This time, the surgeons used a heart from a pig that had undergone gene editing to remove sugar in its cells that’s responsible for the hyper-fast rejection of organs. The third case is the news report that a doctor in Germany, who has been working in the area of xenotransplants, plans to develop a farm to cultivate genetically modified organs for such transplants In his view, this will ease the pressure on the medical system. In Germany alone there are 8,500 patients waiting for organ transplants. What are the ethical issues that these medical advances raise for human societies? Medical Implications Even well-matched human donor organs can be rejected after they are transplanted - and with animal organs the danger is likely to be higher. While such treatments are very, very risky, some medical ethicists say they should still go ahead if the patient knows the risks. Some argue that before any surgery, the procedure must have undergone "very rigorous tissue and non-human animal testing" to make sure it's safe. Animal Rights The animal rights movement has objected to these advances in medical science, of xenotransplantation, because it ignores the rights of animals. They argue that animals also have rights and it is our moral responsibility to support these rights.  Such medical advances stems from a philosophy of anthropocentrism which places human beings at the centre of nature and regards all other living creatures as having only value if they can be of use to humans. Such anthropocentric thinking has been the basis of the ecological crises of climate change.  The animal rights perspective places on us the classic utilitarian dilemma of whether it is better to kill an animal and save a human being or to save an animal and let the human die.  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has condemned pig heart transplant as "unethical, dangerous, and a tremendous waste of resources". Campaigners say it is wrong to modify the genes of animals to make them more like humans.  Religion Pigs are chosen as the relevant organs are a similar size to humans' - and because pigs are relatively easy to breed and raise in captivity. However, in certain societies pig is considered a dirty animal, eating pork is considered disgusting and those who deal with pigs are given low social status.  Transplanting from pigs may affect Jewish or Muslim or Jain or Vegetarian patients, whose religions have strict rules on the animal. Their belief system may forbid them to have anything to do with a pig. Conclusion The wide adoption of xenotransplant procedures diminish the illegal and immoral market in human organs, where people, even children, are abducted so that their organs can be harvested. Therefore, we need to have more debate on this field so that the advances in medical sciences benefits humankind. Connecting the dots: Synthetic Biology & Biosecurity Universal Bio-deterrence INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY GS-2: International Relations GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Russia-Ukraine War impact, beyond oil Context: The current Russian invasion of Ukraine — unlike previous wars in Iraq and Libya or sanctions against Iran — is having an impact not just on energy prices. The effects of shipping disruptions through the Black and Azov Seas, plus Russian banks being cut off from the international payments system, are extending even to the global agri-commodities markets. Russia and global commodity market Russia is  world’s third biggest oil (after the US and Saudi Arabia)  second biggest natural gas (after the US) producer,  No. 3 coal exporter (behind Australia and Indonesia).  Second largest exporter of wheat after EU.  Russia and its next-door ally Belarus are the world’s No. 2 and No. 3 producers of muriate of potash (MOP) fertiliser, at 13.8 mt and 12.2 mt in 2020, respectively, behind Canada (22 mt). Ukraine and global commodity market At No. 4 position in wheat exports, after EU, Russia and Australia (26 mt), is Ukraine, at 24 mt.  Ukraine, moreover, is the world’s third largest exporter of corn/maize, with a projected 33.5 mt in 2021-22, after the US (61.5 mt) and Argentina (42 mt) Ukraine and Russia are also the top two exporters of sunflower oil, at 6.65 mt and 3.8 mt, respectively in 2021-22 How global commodity prices have moved? It should not surprise, therefore, that Russia’s war on Ukraine hasn’t stopped at driving up Brent crude to $110-15/barrel and international coal prices to unprecedented $440/tonne levels.  The shutting down of ports in the Black Sea have also sent prices of wheat and corn. The Ukraine crisis has also led to prices of vegetable oils and oilseeds skyrocketing. That includes not just sunflower and its immediate competitor, soyabean. How it can benefit India? Skyrocketing global prices have made Indian wheat exports very competitive and in a position to at least partially fill the void left by Russia and Ukraine.  High export demand for wheat – India has already shipped out 5.04 mt of the cereal in April-December 2021 – could result in lower government procurement this time. 43.34 mt and 38.99 mt of wheat was procured by government in 2020-21 and 2019-20 respectively. A lot of wheat from western and central India may end up getting exported rather than in the Food Corporation of India’s godowns. The benefits of rising vegetable oils should flow to mustard growers in Rajasthan and UP, who are set to market their crops in international market. Brent at $110-115/barrel is also helping lift the prices of cotton (because of synthetic fibres becoming costlier) and agri-commodities that can be diverted for production of ethanol (sugar and corn) or bio-diesel (palm and soyabean oil). High prices (above MSP) and a good monsoon (hopefully) can act as an inducement for farmers to expand acreages under cotton, soyabean, groundnut, sesamum and sunflower in the upcoming kharif planting season.  That will serve the cause of crop diversification – especially weaning farmers away from paddy, if not sugarcane. Are there any other challenge for India apart from increase in crude oil prices? The ongoing Black Sea tensions are impacting fertiliser prices. Out of the total 5.09 mt that was imported in 2020-21, nearly a third came from Belarus (0.92 mt) and Russia (0.71 mt). With supplies from there virtually choked, more quantities would have to be procured from other origins such as Canada, Jordan and Israel. International prices of other fertilisers (urea, di-ammonium phosphate and complexes) and their raw materials/intermediates (ammonia, phosphoric acid, sulphur and rock phosphate), too, have gone up. Conclusion In short, the challenges that Ukraine will present in the coming days are going to be vastly different from those in the aftermath of Corona. And this war and the associated sanctions are also different from those experienced vis-à-vis Iraq, Libya and Iran. The effects are not confined to oil. Connecting the dots: Russia-Ukraine Standoff Ukraine Crisis and Economy India-Russia Military alliance  Indo-US defence deals (Sansad TV: Perspective) March 2: Resolution paving way for global action to Beat Plastic Pollution - https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/175-countries-commit-to-forge-internationally-binding-treaty-on-plastic-pollution-by-2024-81776  TOPIC: GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Resolution paving way for global action to Beat Plastic Pollution Context: Representatives from 175 countries meeting at the resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in Nairobi March 2, 2022, agreed to end plastic pollution and formulate an internationally binding treaty by 2024. The global plastic market in 2020 has been estimated at around $580 billion according to a report Plastics Market– Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Opportunities and Forecast, 2020-2027 But the monetary value of losses of marine natural capital is estimated to be 4.3 fold or as high as $ 2.5 trillion per year, according to a study published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin Climate will also pay a cost since greenhouse gas emissions from the production, recycling and incineration of plastics could account for 19 per cent of the Paris Agreement’s total allowable emissions in 2040. So, addressing plastics pollution is a prudent investment in nature and climate, as well as a socio-economic opportunity. Managing plastic waste is increasingly becoming a global environmental and economic challenge. Plastic waste is a risk to public health as it enters our food chain, creates congestion problems in drains, causing flooding, ends up in river beds and oceans, depleting ecosystems and marine biodiversity, and makes solid waste management more expensive as landfills and open incineration do not provide an acceptable solution for disposal. The production process for plastic produces greenhouse gas, thus contributing to climate change. At landfills, it disintegrates into small fragments and leaches carcinogenic metals into groundwater. Plastic is highly inflammable — a reason why landfills are frequently ablaze, releasing toxic gases into the environment. It floats on the sea surface and ends up clogging airways of marine animals. The Resolution The resolution, based on three initial draft resolutions from various countries, establishes an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), which will begin its work in 2022, with the ambition of completing a draft global legally binding agreement by the end of 2024. The three draft resolutions of Peru, Rwanda and Japan were based on the principle of a legally binding target. The Indian draft resolution titled Framework for addressing plastic product pollution including single use plastic product pollution, was based upon the principle of immediate collective voluntary action by countries. The INC is expected to present a legally binding instrument, which would reflect diverse alternatives to address  The full lifecycle of plastics The design of reusable and recyclable products and materials The need for enhanced international collaboration to facilitate access to technology, capacity building and scientific and technical cooperation. Under the legally binding agreement, countries will be expected to  Develop, implement and update national action plans reflecting country-driven approaches to contribute to the objectives of the instrument. Promote national action plans to work towards the prevention, reduction and elimination of plastic pollution and to support regional and international cooperation. INC’s mandate does not grant any stakeholder a two-year pause. In parallel to negotiations over an international binding agreement, UNEP will work with any willing government and business across the value chain to shift away from single-use plastics, as well as to mobilise private finance and remove barriers to investments in research and in a new circular economy. The Way Forward International partnerships will be crucial in tackling a problem that affects all of us. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee should aim towards a systemic change, for solutions applied throughout the entire plastic value chain. It should aim towards a rethinking of how plastics are produced, used and disposed of, with the double-dividend of not just delivering on a greener planet, but new employment opportunities. This requires ambitious, bold and measurable action by governments, civil society and the private sector at all levels There is a need for the UN to continue to support and advance the work of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter, while strengthening scientific, technical and technological knowledge with regard to plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. This is significant as 11 million tonnes of plastic waste flows annually into oceans according to an analysis by the Pew Charitable Trust. This may triple by 2040 to 29 million tonnes. Important value addition Plastic  It is a synthetic organic polymer made from petroleum.  Applications:  Packaging Building and construction Household and sports equipment  Vehicles  Electronics  Agriculture It is cheap, lightweight, strong and malleable. Sources of Marine Plastic:  Land-based and storm runoff Sewer overflows Beach visitors  Inadequate waste disposal  Impact of Plastic Pollution  Ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of marine species. The transfer of contaminants between marine species and humans through seafood consumption.  Contribution to global warming Can you answer the following questions? Essay: There is no Plan B because we do not have a Planet B. Examine the issue of marine pollution with special focus on plastics. How does plastic waste threaten the oceans? Discuss. Do you think a complete ban on single-use plastic can address the problem of pollution in a sustainable manner? Isn’t sustainable management of plastic use through the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ approach a better way to handle pollution? Critically examine. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding International Criminal Court: The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague, Netherlands.  The ICC is the first and only permanent international court with jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.  Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.2 World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly shall be conducted by which of the following country in 2024?  India  Afghanistan Sri Lanka Bangladesh  Q.3 Which of the following is not true?  Plastic is easy to break down. Whenever, plastic disintegrates, it breaks down first into microplastics and then nanoplastics.  Microplastics have also been found in high glaciers, deep oceans and in food. Recently, the U.N. Environment Assembly has voted to adopt a resolution that paves the way for a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution by 2024. ANSWERS FOR 4th March 2022 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 A 3 A Must Read On India and Ukraine conflict: The Hindu On Children orphaned by the Pandemic: The Hindu On effective alternative to LPG: Indian Express

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 5th March 2022

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE करेंट अफेयर्स के प्रश्न 'द हिंदू', 'इंडियन एक्सप्रेस' और 'पीआईबी' जैसे स्रोतों पर आधारित होते हैं, जो यूपीएससी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण स्रोत हैं। प्रश्न अवधारणाओं और तथ्यों दोनों पर केंद्रित हैं। दोहराव से बचने के लिए यहां कवर किए गए विषय आम तौर पर 'दैनिक करंट अफेयर्स / डेली न्यूज एनालिसिस (डीएनए) और डेली स्टेटिक क्विज' के तहत कवर किए जा रहे विषयों से भिन्न होते हैं। प्रश्न सोमवार से शनिवार तक दोपहर 2 बजे से पहले प्रकाशित किए जाएंगे। इस कार्य में आपको 10 मिनट से ज्यादा नहीं देना है। इस कार्य के लिए तैयार हो जाएं और इस पहल का इष्टतम तरीके से उपयोग करें। याद रखें कि, "साधारण अभ्यर्थी और चयनित होने वाले अभ्यर्थी के बीच का अंतर केवल दैनक अभ्यास है !!" Important Note: Comment अनुभाग में अपने अंक पोस्ट करना न भूलें। साथ ही, हमें बताएं कि क्या आपको आज का टेस्ट अच्छा लगा । 5 प्रश्नों को पूरा करने के बाद, अपना स्कोर, समय और उत्तर देखने के लिए ‘View Questions’ पर क्लिक करें। उत्तर देखने के लिए, इन निर्देशों का पालन करें: 1 - 'स्टार्ट टेस्ट/ Start Test' बटन पर क्लिक करें प्रश्न हल करें 'टेस्ट सारांश/Test Summary'बटन पर क्लिक करें 'फिनिश टेस्ट/Finish Test'बटन पर क्लिक करें अब ‘View Questions’बटन पर क्लिक करें - यहां आपको उत्तर और लिंक दिखाई देंगे। To take the Test - Click Here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 5th March 2022

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutions. To take the Test - Click Here

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd March 2022

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Increase in India’s trade deficit Part of: Prelims and GS-III Economy Context: As per preliminary foreign trade estimates, India’s merchandise exports rose 22.3% to $33.81 billion in February, while imports shot up 35% to surpass $55 billion, increasing the trade deficit to $21.2 billion. Do you know? A trade deficit is an economic measure of international trade in which a country’s imports exceeds its exports. (Trade Deficit = Total Value of Imports – Total Value of Exports) News Source: TH Ahom warrior Lachit Borphukan Part of: Prelims and GS-I History Context: President Ram Nath Kovind recently launched the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan. He also laid the foundations for Alaboi war memorial and a 150-foot bronze statue of the legendary commander. Lachit Borphukan was a legendary army commander of the Ahom kingdom.  He is known for his leadership in the 1671 ‘Battle of Saraighat’ on the Brahmaputra against Mughal forces where he defeated the Mughal army. Earlier, The Battle of Alaboi was fought on August 5, 1669, between the Ahoms and Mughals where Mughals had won. About Ahom kingdom (1228-1826) It was a late medieval kingdom in the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam. The kingdom is well known for maintaining its sovereignty for nearly 600 years and successfully resisting Mughal expansion in Northeast India.  It was established by Sukaphaa, a Tai prince from Mong Mao News Source: IE Global additive manufacturing Part of: Prelims and GS-III Economy Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) aims to increase India’s share in global additive manufacturing to 5 per cent within the next three years. It is also hoped that it could likely add $1 billion to the gross domestic product by that time. Key takeaways  As per the National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing, by 2025, India will aim to achieve certain targets such as: 50 India specific technologies for material, machine and software,  100 new startups for additive manufacturing,  500 new products.  In total, MeitY hopes that these new startups and opportunities will give jobs to at least 1 lakh new skilled workers over the next three years. About additive manufacturing 3D printing or additive manufacturing uses computer-aided designing to make prototypes or working models of objects by laying down successive layers of materials such as plastic, resin, thermoplastic, metal, fiber or ceramic.  With the help of software, the model to be printed is first developed by the computer, which then gives instructions to the 3D printer. News Source: IE (News from PIB) Launch of e-Bill processing system Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II: Governance In News: Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Electronic Bill (e-Bill) processing system, announced in Union Budget 2022-23. Part of ‘Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Digital India eco-system’ to bring in broader transparency and expedite the process of payments. What is e-Bill processing system? The e-Bill Processing System is a step towards enhancing transparency, efficiency and a faceless-paperless payment system. Now suppliers and contractors will be able to submit their claims online, which will be tracked on real-time basis. In simpler terms, e-Billing is a way of transacting bills digitally rather than the traditional use of paper. Customers can get their bills online, via email, or in machine-readable data forms when billed electronically. As e-Billing is time efficient, this would be a quick and simplified way better fitted to the government’s call for making India digital. It would also reduce errors. The e-Bill system has been rolled out on a pilot basis in eight ministries. It will be implemented in all ministries and departments in a phased manner in 2022-23. News Source: PIB Flagging off of Jan Aushadhi Rath, Jan Aushadhi Mobile Vans and Jan Aushadhi E-rickshaws to raise awareness Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health In News: The Jan Aushadhi Rath will travel 7 days covering 4-5 States and Vans and E-rickshaws will travel across Delhi up to 7th March to raise awareness at the grassroot level about the benefits of the Pariyojana and Jan Aushadhi generic medicines which are available at affordable prices for all. About Jan Aushadhi Yojana Rationale: It is a well-known fact that branded medicines are sold at significantly higher prices in India. Given the widespread poverty across the country, making available reasonably priced quality medicines in the market would benefit everyone, especially the poor and the disadvantaged. Under the: Department of Pharmaceutical’s Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. Vision: To bring down the healthcare budget of every citizen of India through providing “Quality generic Medicines at Affordable Prices”. Mission Create awareness among the public regarding generic medicines. Create demand for generic medicines through medical practitioners Create awareness through education and awareness program that high price need not be synonymous with high quality Provide all the commonly used generic medicines covering all the therapeutic groups Provide all the related health care products too under the scheme Aim: To widely provide generic medicines to people across the country to make healthcare more affordable.  Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendra is a medical outlet opened under the scheme which makes quality medicines available at affordable prices for all.  “Jan Aushadhi Sugam” mobile app helps in locating nearest Janaushadhi Kendra and availability of medicines with its price. These centres across the country would also provide 75 Ayush medicines What exactly is the difference between a generic drug and brand- name drug? When a company develops a new drug — often after years of research — it applies for a patent, which prohibits anyone else from making the drug for a fixed period. To recover the cost of research and development, companies usually price their brand- name drugs on the higher side.  Once the patent expires, other manufacturers duplicate and market their own versions of the drug.  Since the manufacture of these generic drugs do not involve a repeat of the extensive clinical trials to prove their safety and efficacy, it costs less to develop them. Generic drugs are, therefore, cheaper. However, because the compounds in the generic versions have the same molecular structure as the brand-name version, their quality is essentially the same. The generic drug has the same “active ingredient” as the brand-name drug. This ingredient is the one that cures the patient; and other, “inert ingredients”, which give the drug its colour, shape or taste, vary from the brand-name drug to the generics. The prices of generic medicines are much cheaper than their branded equivalent. The generic drug does not have to undergo a complete clinical trial to be proved equivalent, the bioequivalence test is much cheaper than clinical trials making generic drugs cheaper. The government’s move assumes significance as medicines account for 70-75% of a household’s out of pocket expenditure on health The move will result into affordable access to quality medicines which is a part of free universal access to healthcare services. India being a world leader in generics, the dependency on imports of patent drugs will reduce improving our trade of balance. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) ENVIRONMENT/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors. GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation  IPCC New Climate Report Context: The latest warnings have come in the second part of IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report which talks about climate change impacts, risks and vulnerabilities, and adaptation options.  The first part report was released in August 2021 and third (final part of the report) is expected to come out in April 2022. The Assessment Reports, the first of which had come out in 1990, are the most comprehensive evaluations of the state of the earth’s climate.  The four subsequent reports were released in 1995, 2001, 2007 and 2015 which have formed the basis of the global response to Climate Change. The Paris Agreement, negotiated on the basis of the Fifth Assessment Report, seeks to keep the rise in global temperatures “well below” 2°C from pre-industrial times, while “pursuing efforts” to limit it to 1.5°C.  These reports, on their own, are not policy prescriptive: They do not tell countries or governments what to do. They are only meant to present factual situations with as much scientific evidence as is possible. What does the latest IPCC report say? Sectoral & Regional Assessment: The latest report has for the first time, made an assessment of regional and sectoral impacts of climate change. Granular information: It has included risks and vulnerabilities of, mega-cities around the world. For example, it has said Mumbai is at high risk of sea-level rise and flooding, while Ahmedabad faces serious danger of heat-waves.  Health Impact: Also for the first time, the IPCC report has looked at the health impacts of climate change. It has found that climate change is increasing vector-borne and water-borne diseases such as malaria or dengue, particularly in sub-tropical regions of Asia. It has also said deaths related to circulatory, respiratory, diabetic and infectious diseases, as well as infant mortality, are likely to increase with a rise in temperature. Inadequate action: It points out that the rise in weather and climate extremes has led to some irreversible impacts as natural and human systems are pushed beyond their ability to adapt. Also, most of the targets that countries have set for themselves are too far in the future to have an impact in the short term. Urgency of Adaptation: The report has said that while strong actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term, in the next 20 years, would substantially reduce the threats, and the projected damages, they would not eliminate them all. The need to take adaptation measures is therefore very important, the report has stressed. Why has IPCC stressed on adaptation? Climate change adaptation means altering our behavior, systems, and—in some cases—ways of life to protect our families, our economies, and the environment in which we live from the impacts of climate change.  The report has said the gaps in adaptation was a result of lack of funds and political commitment, and also the absence of reliable information and a sense of urgency. It has pointed out that there were “feasible and effective” adaptation but the effectiveness of these options decreases sharply with further increases in temperature. Adaptation is essential to reduce harm, but if it is to be effective, it must go hand in hand with ambitious reductions in greenhouse gas emissions  IPCC report and India Noting that over 3.5 billion people, over 45% of the global population, were living in areas highly vulnerable to climate change, the report identifies India as one of the vulnerable hotspots. Lucknow and Patna are among the cities predicted to reach wet-bulb temperatures - an index of the impact of heat and humidity combined - of 35°C while Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Mumbai, Indore, and Ahmedabad are at risk of reaching wet-bulb temperatures of 32°C-34°C with continued emissions. This will have consequences such as a rise in heat-wave linked deaths or reduced productivity.  Extreme weather led to cereal production loss of 9-10 % (1964-2007). In India, rice production may decrease 30% and maize production will decrease 70%, if global warming over pre-industrial levels rises to 4°C from 1°C, the IPCC analysis found.  With higher emissions, and if ice sheets collapse more quickly than expected, sea levels could rise as much as 2 metres this century and 5m by 2150. India is one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of the population that will be affected by sea-level rise. By the middle of the century, around 35 million of its people could face annual coastal flooding, with 45 million-50 million at risk by the end of the century if emissions are high. Connecting the dots: IPCC’s Sixth report (First part) on Climate Change & India  Paris Climate Deal: India’s Progress, Pandemic and Challenges POLITY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Federalism and Challenges Deputation of DIGs: Proposed Changes Context: After its proposal to amend the All India Service Rules that would allow it to call any IAS, IPS or IFoS officer on central deputation with or without the state’s consent, the Centre has issued another order on central deputation of Deputy Inspector General-level IPS officers. What is the order? According to existing rules, a DIG-ranked IPS officer with a minimum experience of 14 years could only be deputed to the Centre if the Police Establishment Board empanelled them as DIGs at the Centre.  The board chooses the panel on the basis of officers’ career and vigilance records. Only Superintendent of Police (SP) level officers do not require empanelment at the Centre. In an order issued on February 10, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has said that IPS officers coming to the Centre at DIG level would no longer be required to be empanelled at that level with the Union Government. The new order makes the entire pool of DIG-level officers in a state eligible for central deputation. Why has it been issued? Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the move is aimed at increasing the pool of DIG-level IPS officers for central deputation in the backdrop of massive vacancies in central police organisations (CPOs) and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). According to data sourced from various CPOs and CAPFs, out of 252 posts reserved for IPS officers at DIG level at the Centre, 118 (almost half) are vacant. IPS officers have a quota of 40% in CPOs and CAPFs.  How will the move help? According to MHA sources, the idea is to ease up the process of central deputation as verification of records takes a long time (sometimes as long as one year) Also, it increases the size of the pool of officers available to the Centre. However, this would not automatically allow DIGs to come to the Centre. Officers would still have to be put on the offer list for central deputation which is decided by the states and the Centre in consultation. Also, states would have to be willing to relieve them. So why would states have a problem? If read with the recent proposal on deputation of IAS, IPS and IFoS officers, the new order may be seen by many states as the Centre’s attempt on increasing its powers over officers serving in the states. Under the earlier proposals, the Centre would have powers to demand, within a stipulated time frame, a certain quota of officers from the state for central deputation, and also to call any IAS officer on central deputation in “public interest”. In case the state failed to relieve the officer, he/she would be deemed relieved following the date fixed. Most states, including some ruled by the NDA, have opposed the move. Also, there is little evidence of a waiver of empanelment conditions having an impact on vacancies at the Centre. For example, there is no requirement of empanelment for SP level posts, yet the vacancies are close to 50%. Why don’t states relieve officers? Because there is a serious paucity of officers in the states too.  In a cost-cutting move during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee regime, the size of IPS batches among other government staff was reduced even though sizeable vacancies existed even then.  From 80-90 officers each, IPS batches were cut to 35-40 officers (in 1999-2002, the average was 36). The average attrition rate of IPS officers due to superannuation is 85 per year. While the number of districts in some states doubled in a decade or so, the availability of officers was one third. In 2009, against a sanctioned strength of over 4,000 IPS officers, there were more than 1,600 vacancies. During UPA government, the government began intake of IPS batches as large as 150.  The government has continued to increase the size of batches with the 2020 Civil Services Exams taking in 200 IPS officers.  According to the MHA, as on January 1, 2020, there were 908 vacancies against a sanctioned strength of 4,982. The strength of IAS officers too had been impacted due to low intake during the 1990s. How has this impacted the services? The anomaly in IPS recruitment adversely affected cadre management over the years. At some levels, there are fewer officers than sanctioned posts, while at others there is a glut.  On one hand, states are not providing enough DIGs or SPs to the Centre, while on the other, the Centre does not have enough posts if the total cadre reserve of IPS is calculated. Uttar Pradesh has a shortage of DIGs and IGs, but too many officers at the level of ADGs. Then while states should ideally promote batches or parts of it according to the vacancies available, political bosses often promote entire batches to please a certain section, in effect slamming doors on promotional avenues for those below them. CAPF officers, themselves facing career stagnation, have been demanding removal of the DIG-level quota for IPS officers as they are unwilling to join, so that force cadre officers can instead fill these posts. It is estimated that by 2025, states may have surplus officers at DIG level to spare for the Centre and, if Centre-state relations remain normal, the issue may be resolved. Connecting the dots: IAS cadre rules amendments  Lateral Entry into bureaucracy  Mission Karmayogi (Sansad TV: Perspective) Feb 23: The Crypto Question - https://youtu.be/WHZVecBPGRg  TOPIC: GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.  The Crypto Question Context: While Bitcoin started more than a decade back in 2008, total market capitalisation of all cryptocurrencies was only $20 billion in early 2017. This went up to $289 billion in next three years and thereafter exploded to reach a peak of $2.9 trillion in November 2021. In the last three months it has again witnessed a sharp decline.  As of today the total number of cryptocurrencies is at 17,697 and the total number of crypto exchanges is 462.  Currently, there is no regulation or any ban on the use of cryptocurrencies in India.  The Reserve Bank of India’s order banning banks from supporting crypto transactions, was reversed by the Supreme Court order of March 2020.  While the RBI has repeatedly underlined its strong view against cryptocurrencies, saying these pose a serious threat to the macroeconomic and financial stability of the country, Govt. of India is working on a legislation for regulation of this sector.  Budget 2022 Finance Minister in her Budget speech this year has proposed to introduce a digital currency in the coming financial year for which RBI is soon expected to carry out pilot studies.  Removing all doubts on whether cryptocurrencies would become a legal tender or a medium of exchange in the future or not, the budget clarified that the Government of India doesn’t consider cryptocurrency as a currency, but shall treat it as a virtual digital asset. In other words, the Government of India would treat cryptocurrency as an investment. While presenting the Union Budget 2022 government proposed a tax of 30 per cent on virtual assets, effectively legitimizing trading of private cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens. This is broadly in line with the Centre’s plans to have a fiat digital currency, while disallowing use of private virtual coins as legal tender. Taxing Transactions in Cryptocurrencies  The power to levy taxes is prescribed under Article 246 which grants power to the Parliament as well as state legislatures to impose taxes. Article 265 provides that no tax can be imposed or collected without the authority of law. Today, with the rise of cryptocurrencies and its underlying technology, the world stands at the helm of another such revolution. Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are decentralised, digital currencies relying on a peer-to-peer network which operates without the need for a third-party intermediary like the Reserve Bank of India. Coupled with lack of regulatory guidance, its unique technical aspects create huge complications in its taxation. These clarifications about taxation of cryptocurrencies aka virtual digital assets, as the government wants it to be addressed, come at the right time.  It especially becomes extremely important because around 10 crore individual investors have invested around Rs 6 lakh crore in various cryptocurrencies, as per the advertisement issued by The Blockchain and Crypto Assets Council which is a part of the Internet and Mobile Association of India.  The taxing of ‘virtual digital assets’ or crypto currencies will help the Income-Tax department measure the “depth” of this trade in the country. The income-tax department and the income-tax Act only looks at whether the transactions that you have entered into are resulting in income.  Taxing crypto currency under the new legislation does not attach any legality. When an entity declares any profit or surplus on the digital trade, then they also have to say where they have got the money to invest from and, if the investment is proper and justified, then the surplus will be taxed. The taxation will also help us know if the investment is contaminated or illicit, if he/she is putting unaccounted income or it is a ‘benami’ of somebody else, then the consequences will follow. Challenges: Absence of explicit tax provisions has led to ambiguity and uncertainty: Lack of clarity as to whether the GST on crypto transactions is applicable only on Rupee transactions alone or even on transactions through crypto currencies. Difficult to impose tax due to cross-border transactions: Usually, taxpayers may cryptocurrencies and store in online wallets, on servers outside India. In such cases, it becomes difficult to pinpoint which jurisdiction’s tax laws would become applicable.  Anonymous transactions: The identities of taxpayers who transact with cryptocurrencies remain anonymous and hence it becomes quite difficult to keep a tab on the individuals who are trading in cryptocurrencies. Usually, tax evaders have been using crypto transactions to park their black money abroad and fund criminal activities, terrorism, etc. Difficult to track down on tax evaders: One of the most efficient enforcement tools in the hands of Income Tax Department is CASS or ‘computer aided scrutiny selection’ of assessments, where returns of taxpayers are selected inter alia based on information gathered from third party intermediaries such as banks.  How do Cryptocurrencies work? Cryptocurrencies work using a technology called blockchain. Blockchain is a decentralized technology spread across many computers that manages and records transactions. So, instead of relying on traditional financial institutions like RBI who verify and guarantee your transactions, cryptocurrency transactions are verified by the user’s computers logged into the currency’s network. Cryptocurrency mining is the process in which transactions between users are verified and added to the blockchain public ledger.  The process of mining is also responsible for introducing new coins into the existing circulating supply and is one of the key elements that allow cryptocurrencies to work as a peer-to-peer decentralized network, without the need for a third party central authority. The Way Forward Smart regulation is preferable, as a ban on something that is based on a technology of distributed ledger cannot be implemented for all practical purposes. Even in China, where cryptocurrencies have been banned and the Internet is controlled, trading in cryptocurrencies has been low but not non-existent. The government must resist the idea of a ban and push for smart regulation. Govt. should impose a 1 per cent tax deduction at source (TDS) of transactions above a monetary threshold to trace the transition. The US government has made it mandatory for all tax payers and third party intermediaries (Exchanges, wallet providers, miners etc) to disclose all the cryptocurrency related transactions. Explicit and Unambiguous provisions should be incorporated in the Income tax act. The existing international legal framework for exchange of information should be strengthened to enable collecting and sharing of information on crypto transactions. Conclusion The tax department is entering into the digital or virtual asset side at a time when the policy itself is being worked out so this is certainly the right time for the department to have entered the market. Only legislation will help us in knowing as to who is investing, how much is being invested, the quality of the investment, the nature of investment and whether people are making profits or losses. The country should regulate these transactions in a manner that permits a reasonable balance between consumer security and legitimacy. A streamlined tax regime will be essential in the formulation of a clear, constructive and adaptive regulatory environment for crypto currencies. Can you answer the following questions? What are your views on the recent budget announcements on taxing transactions in cryptocurrencies? Substantiate your views. How have the markets for cryptocurrencies evolved in recent months? What are the regulatory concerns related to cryptocurrencies? Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding: India’s trade deficit is decreasing over the past few years. A trade deficit is an economic measure of international trade in which a country’s imports exceeds its exports. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.2 ‘Battle of Saraighat’ was fought between Which of the following?  Mughals and Rajputs Rajputs and Ahoms Mughals and Ahoms Rajputs and Marathas Q.3 3D printing has applications in which of the following?  Medical devices Industrial art and jewellery  Construction All of the above ANSWERS FOR 3rd March 2022 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 C 3 D Must Read On roles and limitation of Governors: The Hindu On faltering economic recovery: The Hindu On anti-microbial resistance: Indian Express

SYNOPSIS [1st March,2022] Day 30: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [1st March,2022] Day 30: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. What are the key challenges in using digital solutions to address poverty and associated issues? Illustrate.  Approach-  Candidates need to write about poverty and related issues which government is trying to curb. Candidates have to link and write about challenges in curbing such issues with use of digital solutions.  Introduction  Reducing poverty has become an international concern as SDG 1 targets to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. Still a big part of the population in india is living Below the Poverty Line. As per Tendulkar Committee this estimation is around 21.9% of the total population of the country. Body  Digital divide: Even in the era of science and technology, there is still huge gap exists between users and nonusers of e-govt. services. In fact, in India, majority of the masses, who living below poverty line and they deprived of govt. services. In contrast, some portion of people are immensely using the e-services of government . However, this gap needs to be made narrow, then only ,the benefits of e-governance would be utilized equally. Use of local language: The access of information must be permitted in the language most comfortable to the public user, generally the local language. There already exist technologies such as GIST and language software by which transliteration from English into other languages can be made. Information: Reliability of the digitally published information when rules, regulations, and requirements get changed on daily basis remains questionable. Communication: The absence of interpersonal communication with and by the governmental agencies can leave many stakeholders unattended and disappointed. Infrastructure: Before Internet literacy, Internet infrastructure to interconnect computers and users on the Internet is an essential requirement. This infrastructure includes physical hardware, transmission media, and software; without this, e-governance is a remote service. Gender Divide: Women are still lagging. Men are 90% more likely to own a mobile phone than women. Even among women owning mobile phones they have no access to internet connectivity. Burden on poor: Digital “solutions” create additional bureaucracy for all sick persons in search of these services without disciplining the culprits. Along with paper work, patients will have to navigate digi-work. Platform- and app-based solutions can exclude the poor entirely, or squeeze their access to scarce health services further. Conclusion  Hence, if these challenges are addressed carefully then it will not just only help to achieve better success for e-governance but also will ensure improvement in  governance processes and outcomes with a view to improve the delivery of public services to citizens. The resultant benefits are less corruption, increased transparency, greater convenience, revenue growth, and cost reductions. 2. What are the key observations from the ongoing trend of urbanisation in India? What potential challenges are they going to create in the future? Analyse.   Approach  Students are expected to write about the basics of urbanization and associated trends in India. Then highlight the potential challenges to be created in future.  Introduction  Urbanisation is an increase in the number of people living in towns and cities. Urbanisation occurs mainly because people move from rural areas to urban areas and it results in growth in the size of the urban population and the extent of urban areas.  Body  Trends in urbanisation: India’s level of urbanization increased from 17.6 per cent in 1951 to only 23.7 per cent in 1981 and 27.8 per cent in 2001.  Consistent with its low per capita income India ranks among the last thirty in the list of countries listed according to their urbanization levels. Currently, India’s population stood at 1210 million in 2011, with an urbanisation level of 31.1% (Census of India 2011). Over 75% of the urban population of the country is in 10 States: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Kerala. Potential Challenges: Excessive Population Pressure: On the one hand, the rural-urban migration accelerates the pace of urbanisation, on the other, it creates excessive population pressure on the existing public utilities. Overflowing Slums: There are about 13.7 million slum households in the country sheltering a population of 65.49 million people across the country. Inadequate Housing: Among the numerous social problems of urbanisation, the problem of housing is the most distressing. Weak Regulations by umbrella authorities: State governments, which retain effective control over urban development rather than city administrations, have failed to operationalise the umbrella authorities to regulate transport and other issues.  Expensive Mass Transport: There is valid criticism that the existing paradigm is one of “exclusionary urbanisation”, which makes Metro and bus services expensive for the majority.  Absence of protection from disasters and hazards in the fields of environmental safety, pollution, ethnic conflicts, violence, discrimination and exploitation. Financial devolution: There is evidence of deterioration in almost all of the major financial indicators of empowerment for urban local governments in India from their already very low levels.  Pandemic-Induced Problems: The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the misery of urban poor or slum dwellers. The sudden implementation of complete Covid lockdown severely affected the ability of slum dwellers to earn their living. Conclusion Integrated policies to improve the lives of both urban and rural dwellers are needed, while strengthening the linkages between urban and rural areas, building on their existing economic, social and environmental ties. 3. In your opinion, what should be India’s response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine? Substantiate your views. Approach- Candidates need to give his opinion regarding What India’s response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine should be and he should substantiate it or provide evidence to support or prove the truth of it. Introduction In the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the situation is both fluid and volatile. A session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was held to try to resolve the Ukraine crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of its neighbour. The United States backed resolution to censure Russia was supported by United Kingdom and France. China, another permanent member absented itself from the voting. India and the UAE also did not vote. India called for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue.” What India’s response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine should be: By abstaining from any overt criticism of Russia, India seemed to revert to its erstwhile stance of neutrality, if not equidistance from Cold War antagonists, America and Russia. It’s in best favour of India to maintain “independent, neutral and balanced” position during the vote due to the following reasons: India’s long-standing friendly relations with Russia cannot be denied or dumped overnight.  Russia, besides being an established friend, remains India’s major arms supplier and strategic partner.  As member of the Security Council and one of the world’s largest countries and economies, India has an additional, mediative role to play, which it cannot compromise or squander by taking sides in a hasty, premature, or precipitous manner. By abstaining, India retained the option of reaching out to relevant sides in an effort to bridge the gap and find the middle ground with an aim to foster dialogue and diplomacy. Firstly, India is dependent on both Russia and Ukraine for a lot of its energy supplies. A developing economy like India would obviously be on the receiving end if the war continues for a long period. Undoubtedly, the war in Ukraine has put the foreign policy makers of India in a tough situation where they face a dilemma of whether to stick to its non-aligned path of neutrality or whether to voice its concerns against the Russian aggression that is unprecedented in Europe after the Second World War.  All these factors have created enormous pressure on the Indian leadership as they need to act proactively as the crisis unfolds. The best option for India, considering its stakes in the war, should be to avoid getting entangled in favour of a particular side and continue its balancing act. India’s multi-vector foreign policy doesn’t allow it to choose sides in a particular crisis as it requires the support of both Russia and US on a number of issues- getting permanent membership of the UNSC is an example in this case. An independent foreign policy will also provide the space for India to meditate on the crisis and play a major role in solving it peacefully via multilateral platforms. India’s stance will also depend on what course the Russian military action takes in future. If Putin chooses to escalate the crisis horizontally or vertically then it would become increasingly difficult for India to stay non-aligned, especially if the US chooses to impose extraterritorial sanctions.  Conclusion Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment. It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons, India has chosen to abstain on this resolution and shall continue to do so. TLP Synopsis Day 30 PDF

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 4th March 2022

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE करेंट अफेयर्स के प्रश्न 'द हिंदू', 'इंडियन एक्सप्रेस' और 'पीआईबी' जैसे स्रोतों पर आधारित होते हैं, जो यूपीएससी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण स्रोत हैं। प्रश्न अवधारणाओं और तथ्यों दोनों पर केंद्रित हैं। दोहराव से बचने के लिए यहां कवर किए गए विषय आम तौर पर 'दैनिक करंट अफेयर्स / डेली न्यूज एनालिसिस (डीएनए) और डेली स्टेटिक क्विज' के तहत कवर किए जा रहे विषयों से भिन्न होते हैं। प्रश्न सोमवार से शनिवार तक दोपहर 2 बजे से पहले प्रकाशित किए जाएंगे। इस कार्य में आपको 10 मिनट से ज्यादा नहीं देना है। इस कार्य के लिए तैयार हो जाएं और इस पहल का इष्टतम तरीके से उपयोग करें। याद रखें कि, "साधारण अभ्यर्थी और चयनित होने वाले अभ्यर्थी के बीच का अंतर केवल दैनक अभ्यास है !!" Important Note: Comment अनुभाग में अपने अंक पोस्ट करना न भूलें। साथ ही, हमें बताएं कि क्या आपको आज का टेस्ट अच्छा लगा । 5 प्रश्नों को पूरा करने के बाद, अपना स्कोर, समय और उत्तर देखने के लिए ‘View Questions’ पर क्लिक करें। उत्तर देखने के लिए, इन निर्देशों का पालन करें: 1 - 'स्टार्ट टेस्ट/ Start Test' बटन पर क्लिक करें प्रश्न हल करें 'टेस्ट सारांश/Test Summary'बटन पर क्लिक करें 'फिनिश टेस्ट/Finish Test'बटन पर क्लिक करें अब ‘View Questions’बटन पर क्लिक करें - यहां आपको उत्तर और लिंक दिखाई देंगे। To take the Test - Click Here

[INTERVIEW INITIATIVE] Think, Rethink and Perform (TRP) [DAY 10] 2021 for UPSC/IAS Personality Test!

ARCHIVES (of TRP) - > CLICK HERE Those who have appeared for UPSC Mains 2021, fill up the Google form given below. Students who fill the form will be added to a telegram group so that there can be healthy discussions with other students who will be appearing for the Interview/Personality Test. Also, Mohan sir, Bureaucrats and Ex-Bureaucrats will be interacting one on one with all the students who will be appearing for the same. REGISTER HERE – CLICK HERE   Interview Discussion: Think, Rethink and Perform; (TRP)- Day 10 Set 1: Ask these questions to yourself; contemplate and come out with a concrete answer (not to be discussed on this forum). Invest at least 30 minutes on this set of questions.  Given a chance to change one thing in your surroundings, what will you change?  What inspires your inclination to change something?  Do you need to change something about yourself too? What would that be? Think about it.  Set 2: Analyse the following issue:  Is war good or bad? If you are tempted to say it is bad, take a pause and think about the context of wars? Can a war be good if is motivated to free individuals subjugated by an oppressive regime? Is war good when it is being fought to counter the hegemonic aspirations of an expanding military power? Please think about the ethics of war and then take a reasoned stand on this issue. Try to explain your thoughts to your friend or colleague and convince him/her.  We expect you to discuss the above question (Set 2) in the comments below and come out with a balanced view of the issues. Thank You IASbaba